BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Tug Valley senior Austin Smith is a great example of the student-athlete.
He is a member of both the Panthers football and baseball teams and is a straight-A student. In fact, even with taking advanced placement (AP) classes, he has a grade-point average of better than 4.0.
Smith is not only a fine student-athlete but also a leader at the Mingo County high school. He serves as the state president of the Beta Club and several other clubs and organizations.
How does he balance sports and academics?
“When it comes to balancing academics and sports, I always try to use effective time management skills and set achievable goals that will help me both on the field and in the classroom. One of these goals is making sure that I give 100% effort in everything I do, including sports and academics,” Smith said in an exclusive interview with the Mountain Citizen.
“I have maintained a 4.55 GPA while playing football and baseball. I am currently serving as the Senior West Virginia Beta President and I am involved in various other programs/groups, such as The National Honor Society, Tug Valley Student Government, Students for 60,000, FCA, Math Field Day, Academic Team, Pumpkin Drop Team and the Early College Academy.”
Smith is also a young man of great faith. He plays the piano and sings at his home church in Kermit. He also proudly travels around and plays at other churches in the area. Smith’s faith is a breath of fresh air – especially for such a young man.
“My faith is everything to me. Nothing fulfills me more than singing in church and spreading the word of God to those who are willing to hear it. I believe God gives each of us a unique tool to bring people into His kingdom, and for me that tool is music. I’m very thankful to live in a community that values this aspect of life and truly understands how important it is to have a relationship with Jesus Christ,” Smith stressed.
Currently Smith is a starting linebacker/defensive end on the No. 1 ranked Tug Valley Panthers football team and also sees some action at running back. He is proud of the way the team has performed this season.
“Our team has worked very hard to get where we are right now. Coach (Ford) likes to remind us seniors of some of the beatings we took as underclassmen, and it feels really good to now be on the opposite side of those blowout games,” said Smith. “Remaining undefeated and making history with my brothers this season has been such a rewarding experience that I couldn’t be more grateful for. With that said, the job definitely isn’t finished. We are excited to keep improving and bring that state championship trophy to Naugatuck for the first time in program history.”
Smith also loves baseball and is a big part of the Panther’s squad on the diamond.
“Baseball has always been a major part of my life. I primarily pitch and play anywhere on the field that the coach needs me. We lost a really good group of seniors last year to graduation, but we have a solid collection of underclassmen and upcoming freshmen that I know are ready to step up. Our program at Tug Valley has grown a lot in the last few years and I’m excited to see how we do this upcoming spring.” Smith added.
As for the future, Smith is still undecided about where he is going to college.
“I have been looking at Marshall and West Virginia University as my most likely options for college, but I am keeping my options open. One benefit of going to an in-state school is that I would be closer to friends and family, as well as go into college as a junior because of the two years of college classes I have taken at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College through the Early College Academy,” Smith said.
“I plan on majoring in Political Science and Government with a focus on Pre-Law studies. After undergrad, I plan to go into law school. The goal is to become a successful attorney and eventually bring positive, systemic change to the Appalachian region. This career path feels right for me, as politics and the legal system have always been something I feel passionate about. I love the idea of getting to be someone’s advocate and using my voice to speak up for those in need.”
Smith credits his parents and faith for his success so far. His father is in law enforcement and his mother is a teacher.
“I truly believe God has blessed me with the best family in the entire world. My parents have always been there for me and my brother, Parker, and encouraged us in all that we do. They’ve sacrificed many hours sitting on uncomfortable bleacher seats to watch me play the sports I love. Words cannot describe how much I love and appreciate them,” Smith continued.
“I want to thank God first and foremost. No matter how many times I fall short—which I do often—His grace and love always find me right when I need them. It’s a constant reminder of His unfailing faithfulness in my life. I’m thankful to the best family in the world for always loving and supporting me. I’m thankful to my coaches in football and baseball for instilling life lessons in me that I will carry far after my playing days are over. And lastly I want to thank the Tug Valley community. We have the best fans imaginable, and their support means the world to all of us,” Smith concluded.
There is no doubt the future is very bright for Tug Valley senior Austin Smith.